Fabulous For Fall: Creamy Pumpkin Hummus Recipe

BAY AREA, CA – It is the time of year when all things turn to changing leaves, autumn harvests and, in particular, pumpkins!

Fall's brightest vegetable -- the beloved pumpkin -- fuels pumpkin-spiced lattes, pumpkin pies, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes -- and now -- pumpkin hummus!

Global traveler and founder of the West Coast-based Hummingbird Spice Co., Judy Henninger, merged her knowledge of spices and worldwide cuisine into a one-of-a-kind recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Hummus.

Have a look, give it a try in your kitchen and enjoy!

(Note: While the recipe calls for Hummingbird Spice Co.'s blend of Egyptian Dukkah, any version of the Egyptian condiment can be substituted.)

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CREAMY PUMPKIN HUMMUS

Dukkah is already really popular in Australia and New Zealand. Crown pumpkins and sweet potatoes (kumara) are everyday ingredients in the diets of New Zealanders. This recipe was created after trying a spectacular Pumpkin Hummus while visiting my home-away-from-home in beautiful Christchurch, New Zealand!

INGREDIENTS

2 Cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

1.5 Cups roasted pumpkin, pureed – or canned

3 T sunflower oil – or virgin olive oil

1 8 oz package cream cheese

1 large carrot, chopped

3 T pomegranate molasses

3T honey or Agave nectar

3T tahini

1T sea salt – or to taste

2-4 T spices (Black pepper, Cumin, Chili Powder)

3 cloves of garlic

½ red pepper, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

Lemon Zest from ½ of a lemon

METHOD

In a food processor or blender, puree the chickpeas with the pumpkin and oil; then blend in all the other ingredients.

Refrigerate and note that the flavors will intensify over time.

Sprinkle generously with Hummingbird Spice Co. Egyptian Dukkah just before serving. (Any other Dukkah blend may be substituted.)

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For other recipes from the Patch files:

• 'Burnt Husk Corn Salsa' Recipe: Fire Up The Grill!
• Halloween 101: How To Roast Perfect Pumpkin Seeds
• Get The Blues: Blueberry Turkey Burgers With Blueberry Ketchup [RECIPE]
• Have s'more fun with these three recipes. (One involves Oreos, another adds marshmallow vodka -- YUM!) No campfire needed!

--Image courtesy of Hummingbird Spice Company on Facebook